Alfalfa Hay for Babies

[baileymarie]

Hi! I have a newer bunny - about 9/10 weeks old and I was recommended to use Alfalfa hay at the beginning but I am wondering when I should switch to another type of hay. I also have read from other posts that alfalfa hay isn’t great for bunnies of any age (which I hope isn’t the case as he has been eating it for about 2 weeks)... does anyone have any guidance on this? Thank you!

 

[Peneloppythebun]

Awh your bun is so cute! Congrats! I would say try slowly introducing him to Timothy hay and maybe see if he likes that. You can learn more on house rabbit society

https://rabbit.org/faq-diet/

 

[Julie&Bunnies]

Give him alfalfa hay until 7 months, but you should also begin offering Timothy hay now in small quantities and get him used to it. After 7 months, switch him to Timothy with Alfalfa as a treat.

 

[Mariam+Theo]

Super cute! I would do a mix of Alfafa and Timothy hay until he is 7 months, just like Julie&Bunnies suggested. What type of pellets is he getting?

 

[Cloverhouse]

I have a young one too. He is on alfalfa-based pellets, so I am just giving him Timothy hay so that there won't be an issue switching him over later on. I've found that has worked for me in the past. He gets fresh grass and weeds from the yard, including some clover, so I think he's getting adequate protein. He certainly is growing like a weed!

 

[zuppa]

If he's on alfalfa-based pellets (most of junior pellets contain alfalfa) there's no need to feed alfalfa hay imo. I find that around 4,5-5 months of age juniors start getting fatter so I usually cut them on pellets as until then they have unlimited pellets.
So I would use alfalfa based junior pellets and non-alfalfa hay. Only if your rabbit is underweight or weaker than should be at his age I would add alfalfa to his diet, otherwise I don't see need for it.